Moths in Missouri
Missouri has several unique moth species inhabiting various locations like deciduous woodlands, open meadows, and gardens. The cecropia and Polyphemus moths, both marked by distinctive eyespots, are the largest here. The pretty green luna moth with a flowing tail and the spotted white giant leopard moth also include in the list of beautiful species thriving here. On the other hand, the gypsy moth’s existence is more of a boon than a bane since it is known to cause massive damage to the oak forests occupying the state.
Large Moths: Polyphemus Moth, Cecropia Moth, Io Moth
Here is the list of moths found in Missouri arranged in order of the family they belong.
Saturniidae Moths
- Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
- Luna Moth (Actias luna)
- Io Moth (Automeris io)
- Honey Locust Moth (Syssphinx bicolor)
- Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis)
- Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
Hawk Moths
- Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth (Darapsa Myron)
- Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe)
Erebidae Moths
- Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
- Banded Tiger Moth (Apantesis vittata)
- Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis)
- Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
Owlet Moths
- Bilobed Looper Moth (Megalographa biloba)
- Corn Earworm Moth (Helicoverpa zea)
- Eight-spotted Forester Moth (Alypia octomaculata)
- Large Yellow Underwing Moth (Noctua pronuba)
Prominent Moths
- White-headed Prominent Moth (Symmerista albifrons)
Slug Moths / Cup Moths
- Stinging Rose Moth (Parasa indetermina)
- Spiny Oak Slug Moth (Euclea delphinii)
Flannel Moths
- Black-waved Flannel Moth (Megalopyge crispate)
Snout Moths
- Boxwood Leaftier Moth (Galasa nigrinodis)
Lappet Moths
- Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma americanum)
Geometer Moths
- Wavy-lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerate)
Burnet Moths
- Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth (Harrisina americana)
